referendum

ref·er·en·dum

noun \ˌre-fə-ˈren-dəm\

plural ref·er·en·da\-də\ or ref·er·en·dums

Definition of REFERENDUM

1

a : the principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative b : a vote on a measure so submitted

2

: a diplomatic agent's note asking for government instructions

Examples of REFERENDUM

1. The issue was decided by referendum.

Origin of REFERENDUM

New Latin, from Latin, neuter of referendus, gerundive of referre to refer

First Known Use: 1847

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

Rhymes with REFERENDUM

corrigendum